It can help keep unwanted pests away
Cucumber peels can be used in your garden (Image: Getty Images)
Households across the UK are being told to leave cucumber peels in their gardens this week. The Met Office has warned of the fifth heatwave this summer with temperatures hitting highs of 36C in parts of the country.
During the extremely hot weather this summer, many of us will experience unwanted pests such as wasps in our homes and gardens. They can cause frustration, especially when trying to enjoy food and drinks outdoors.
While many people use sprays and traps to keep them away, experts are recommending a simple hack using food waste that you’d normally throw straight in the bin.
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It might sound odd, but cucumber peels can help keep wasps at bay. As the insects aren’t keen on the smell from the peel, it’s a good idea to leave them lying around areas where people are eating and drinking.
“Every summer, people seem to have a different trick for keeping wasps away, and cucumber peels are one that comes up quite a lot,” says Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multi Tools.
“The thinking is that wasps aren’t too keen on the smell from the peel. It’s not going to work miracles, and it won’t help much if you’ve got a nest nearby, but some people find it helps stop wasps hanging around outdoor seating areas quite as much.”
Wasps can be a nuisance during summer(Image: Getty Images)
How to use cucumber peels to get rid of wasps
Place a few fresh cucumber peels around your patio, garden table or wherever wasps usually appear. You should replace them every so often once they start drying out.
The trick is most effective around spots where people are eating and drinking outside during warmer weather.
Other ways to reduce wasps include:
Keeping sugary drinks covered when outsideClearing away food scraps as soon as possibleWiping down outdoor tables after useMaking sure bins and recycling containers remain closedAvoiding leaving sweet foods exposed for long periods
“People often look for quick fixes, but the biggest thing is keeping food, drinks and rubbish under control,” Glen explains. “That’s what usually attracts wasps in the first place. The cucumber peel trick is just a simple extra that some people swear by.”
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